[Functional Results after Laparoscopic versus Robot-assisted Sigmoid Resection in Diverticulitis]. / Funktionelle Ergebnisse nach laparoskopischer vs. roboterassistierter Sigmaresektion bei Divertikulitis.

BACKGROUND: Sigmoid resection in diverticulitis is one of the most frequently performed colonic operations. A minimally invasive approach by laparoscopy is the surgical gold standard. For a few years now, sigmoid resections have also been performed robotically (da Vinci® System). It is unclear whether there are relevant differences between the two procedures in terms of functional outcome. METHODS: A postoperative follow-up was performed on all patients who underwent laparoscopic or robotic sigmoid resection for diverticulitis between November 2013 and November 2018, with a minimum interval of 6 months between surgery. Continence disorders, the development of symptoms compared to preoperative, changes in bowel movement (constipation, diarrhoea), impairment in daily life and pain were recorded. Differences between the groups were checked for statistical significance using the chi-square test. RESULTS: During the study period, a total of 106 minimally invasive sigmoid resections for diverticulitis were performed (laparoscopic: n = 46, robot-assisted: n = 60). Of these, 74 patients (70%; laparoscopic: n = 28, robot-assisted: n = 46) answered the questionnaire and were included in the evaluation. Continence disorders were reported in a total of 22% of cases. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in any of the variables surveyed. CONCLUSION: With regard to functional results after minimally invasive sigmoid resection for diverticulitis, laparoscopic and robot-assisted sigmoid resection can be considered equivalent procedures.

Robotic Versus Laparoscopic Sigmoid Resection for Diverticular Disease: A Single-Center Experience of 106 Cases.

Background: Laparoscopic sigmoid resection is the surgical standard for the treatment of diverticulitis. Robotic sigmoid resection with the da Vinci Xi® platform may offer advantages over the laparoscopic approach. Materials and Methods: One hundred and six patients with uncomplicated, complicated, or recurrent diverticular disease underwent robotic (n = 60) or laparoscopic (n = 46) sigmoid resection at our institution between 2013 and 2018. Patient demographics and characteristics, perioperative measures, and complications were retrospectively analyzed. Results: There were no statistically significant differences between the robotic and laparoscopic group with regard to operative time (130 versus 118 minutes; P = .23), anastomotic leakage (6.7% versus 6.5%; P = 1.0), need for stoma (6.7% versus 4.3%; P = 1.0), conversion rate (1.7% versus 0%; P = .36), reoperation (8.3% versus 15.2%; P = .27), overall complications according to the Clavien-Dindo classification (30.0% versus 30.4%; P = .8), mortality (1.7% versus 0%; P = 1.0), and need for intravenous analgesics (3.0 versus 2.1 days; P = .21). The duration of postoperative ileus was significantly shorter in the robotic group (2.2 versus 2.8 days; P = .01). Conclusion: Robotic sigmoid resection for uncomplicated, complicated, or recurrent diverticular disease is a safe and feasible procedure. However, robotic sigmoid resection for diverticulitis is not associated with relevant clinical benefits for patients compared to laparoscopic resection except for a slightly shorter duration of postoperative ileus.